Wero App Revolutionizes French Payments: Launched in October 2024, Wero is quickly gaining traction in France, offering users the ability to make instant money transfers with just a phone number. Developed by the European Payments Initiative, a collaboration of 16 European banks and financial services companies, Wero is already making waves in the world of mobile payments. Prior to its launch in France, the app debuted in Germany in July, and now it’s expanding its reach in the European market.
The developers behind Wero aim to replace Paylib, which will be discontinued in 2025, and to compete directly with popular mobile payment systems like Lydia and PayPal. One of the standout features of Wero is its reliance on the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) money transfer system, which ensures transfers are free of charge and bypass the usual high costs and commissions associated with traditional payment methods.
The app enables peer-to-peer payments, making it ideal for social situations such as reimbursing a friend for dinner or splitting the bill in a group setting at a bar or restaurant. It also offers a simple way to send money to family members or friends, all without needing to rely on cash.
A 2024 study by market research firm Kantar highlighted that 85% of 18 to 24-year-olds in France use mobile payment systems like Wero, with this demographic embracing a hybrid approach that blends traditional payment methods and newer mobile payment options.
Following its launch in France, Wero grew by 14 million users in just one month, highlighting the demand for instant and efficient payment solutions. As of 2025, Wero plans to expand its functionality, allowing payments to small retailers and online shops via QR codes.
To start using Wero, users need to have a current account with a participating bank. While most French banks are on board, a full list of supported institutions is available on the app’s website.
How Wero Works:
- Get the App: Download Wero from your banking app, and sign up for a Wero wallet by providing the required details.
- Log In: Once logged in, choose the bank account you want to use for payments.
- Send Money: Enter the mobile number of the recipient from your contacts list. Wero allows you to send or request money from anyone you trust who is also using an account with one of Wero’s participating banks across France, Germany, and Belgium.
- Complete the Transfer: Input the amount, write a personalized message if desired, and hit send. The payment will arrive in just 10 seconds.
With its rapid growth and innovative features, Wero is set to redefine how people in France and across Europe send and receive money in real time.